thought about it--if I hadn't met you.

FANNY [takes his hand in hers]. I wish you hadn't asked Newte any
questions about me. It would have been so nice to feel that you had
married me--just because you couldn't help it--just because I was I
and nothing else mattered.

VERNON. Let's forget I ever did. [He kneels beside her.] I didn't
do it for my own sake, as you know. A MAN in my position has to
think of other people. His wife has to take her place in society.
People insist upon knowing something about her. It's not enough for
the stupid "County" that she's the cleverest, most bewilderingly
beautiful, bewitching lady in the land.

FANNY. And how long will you think all that?

VERNON. For ever, and ever, and ever.

FANNY. Oh, you dear boy. [She kisses him.] You don't know how a
woman loves the man she loves to love her. [Laughs.] Isn't that
complicated?

VERNON. Not at all. We're just the same. We love to love the woman
we love.

FANNY. Provided the "County" will let us. And the County has said:
A man may not marry his butler's niece.

VERNON [laughing]. You've got butlers on the brain. If ever I do
run away with my own cook or under-housemaid, it will be your doing.